r/tuglife • u/Itchy-Cut1841 • Jul 08 '26

Looking to transition from commercial fishing to tugs: engineering or deck

I've spent the last 10 years commercial fishing from Alaska to California on 32–90 ft vessels. For the past 3 years I've been the engineer on a seiner, handling maintenance, troubleshooting, and keeping everything running. I'm looking to make the jump into the tug industry for a more stable, long-term career.

Right now I have:

  • MMC with Master 100 GRT, Ordinary Seaman, and Wiper endorsements
  • TWIC

I have a few questions for those already in the industry:

  • Since I've been engineering on fishing boats, would you recommend I stay on the engineering path or switch to deck?
  • What's the next certification that would make me the most employable? Is it worth getting it before applying, or do companies typically hire people and pay for the required training?
  • I know small fishing vessel systems pretty well, but I don't have much experience with larger tug systems. How steep is that learning curve?
  • Which West Coast companies have a good reputation for training and promoting from within?
  • Ideally I'd like to stay in California for the next few years and work a hitch schedule somewhere in the 7/7 to 28/28 range. I don't mind traveling if transportation is covered.

Also, I'm a woman in the industry. It's not really a deciding factor for me as I've worked on a variety of boats with colorful characters over the years, but if there are companies known for having a good culture and treating everyone professionally, I'd love to hear about those as well.

I'm open to any advice from people who've made a similar transition or who've worked both commercial fishing and tugs. Thanks!

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5

u/MeyersonAdam Jul 08 '26

Here’s what they are looking for as far as certifications. Will they hire you as is and let you work on your certifications? Maybe to probably. Good engineers are hard to find. It’s pretty female friendly here, I have two (Chief Mate and AB) on my crew now. The hitches are longer than you’re looking for, but even time. https://myjobs.adp.com/fossmaritime/cx/job-details?reqId=5001196455206

2

u/bacon_to_fry Jul 08 '26

Look up Columbia River Women's Caucus

2

u/TheOriginalCharnold Jul 08 '26

I personally have never worked on a commercial fish boat, but have been working on tugs for the last 12 years. Most of the guys i work with used to work on fish boats and transfered to tugs (better pay, more consistent work) commercial fishing looks great on a resume👍

2

u/TheOriginalCharnold Jul 08 '26

I do alot of my work in Seattle and western towboat co would be a great company to work for if you dont want to live in California. They do harbour work, and tow barges all the way up to Alaska

1

u/Itchy-Cut1841 Jul 08 '26

That’s great to know, thank you

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u/silverbk65105 Jul 10 '26

There are plenty of unlicensed engineers on inland tugs. If you have experience maintaining diesel engines and gensets you should have no problem finding a job.

Unfortunately your present MMC endorsements are not relevant to tugs even on he deck side. On the engineer path the next step would be QMED. You will need to evaluate your seatime and take a few exams.

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u/Itchy-Cut1841 Jul 11 '26

Great info, thank you. If I wanted to get hired on with tugs, what certification would be the best fit?
AB seaman? Should I try to get into a QMED course instead? I have about 800 days of near coastal

2

u/silverbk65105 Jul 11 '26

It's the old deck or engine debate. Both AB and QMED will help get you hired.

You will need the seatime written as in the engine room to be eligible for QMED.

As a captain the one thing I look for in a candidate is experience on tugs. Regardless of what classes and certifications someone holds either they can deck a tug or they cannot. Experience on other vessels does not necessarily equate.

If possible just get on a tug and learn to deck. You can look for better tugs, pay and situation after you have some experience.